Page 28 of Christy

That gets a chuckle out of both me and Pa. Jon smiles. “Less than a month later, Juan came along, and you had more than enough big brothers. But, in all seriousness, looking back at that day, you were trying to fix things even back then. It’s part of who you are.Looking back, I don’t think I saw that soon enough. You became my little brother, the one who was always there. Your impact on our family didn’t hit me till the day…the day we didn’t know if we lost you. That’s when I realized just how much you did-do for our family, most of it quietly and behind the scenes. Ma and Pa may be the foundation, but, brother, you're the fucking anchor keeping us all together.”

I wasn’t expecting that at all. I’m at a loss for words.

“Well, shit.” I look over at Pa, who’s almost glaring at Jon. “Between you and your mom, I ain’t been left with much to say.” He holds up the glass and looks back at me.

“I’m proud of you, Son. May your marriage be long, happy, and give me and your ma plenty of grandbabies.” That makes us all laugh. We clink glasses and drink down the smoothest of whiskeys.

Pa takes hold of my shoulder. “Let’s get this show on the road, what do you say?” I nod. “I’m ready. I’ve been ready. It’s finally time to get married.”

Christy

Mary just left the room to see if we’re about to start the ceremony. I look in the mirror, and I know I’m ready. I’m ready to marry Max. My eyes go to the locket around my neck.

Last night, after Max left, Ma came to me with a small box. She handed it to me with a card and gave me a hug. “I’m so happy to have you as a daughter. Welcome to the family.” She left the room to let me open the envelope and see what’s inside.

I opened the envelope and took out a letter.

Christy,

There are not many people on this planet who know anything about what it was like for you growing up there on the mountain. Luckily, a few of us know some, not a lot, but some.

We know that nothing sentimental is allowed, and looking to the past isn’t allowed. We also know that all of that is pure bullshit. Memories are important to everyone, and you’ve been robbed of a lot of memories of your mom by your…sperm donor is the only appropriate description to use.

While we can’t bring your mama back, nor can we get so many of those memories back, we decided to try and get one thing for you. We wanted to welcome you into the family, but also give you a piece of yours that’s been missing for more than a decade.

We wanted this to be a surprise, so Max doesn’t even know about it. You can share it with him or keep it just for you.

Colton, myself, Anna, Mary, Erik, and even Sheriff Jeremy worked to find this. Your father didn’t make it easy, but luckily, he couldn’t erase everything about your dear mama.

In the box you’ll find a locket. It’s your something old because it belonged to my and Erik’s mama. Inside that locket? It’s something we searched high and low for, and Mary insisted we had, in fact, found it. Inside that locket is a picture of your mama. We hope this brings you strength, warm memories, and something you’ve been missing for too many years.

We want you to know you aren’t just welcome here, you are loved.

Love,

Ma, Anna, Erik, and Mary (with the help of Colton)

The moment I opened the locket, I knew they had found her. Those eyes and that small smile. That was my mama. She was so beautiful inside and out. I know she wanted more out of life, and I would like to think she’s happy that I not only made it down the mountain but that I’ve got this little life that makes me happier than I thought I could ever be.

I touch the locket again and am eternally grateful for it and for Ma's foresight in giving it to me last night so I wouldn’t totally lose it right before I walk down the aisle. I do feel steadier knowing I have a little piece of her with me today.

There’s a knock on the door, and it opens. Jackson sticks his head in. “You look beautiful, sweetheart. You ready to get this thing started?” I nod at him and ask the question that no one’s answered for me yet.

“Are you the one walking me down the aisle?” He stands in front of me and gives me a warm smile. “Kind of. I’m going to ask that you trust me and trust Max. This was his doing.”

I nod. “I trust you both.” Jackson leans down and kisses my cheek ever so briefly. “I want you to know I’m honored that I even crossed your mind when you were deciding who to walk you down the aisle. I want you to know that if you ever need anything-anything at all, you can come to me. Anna, Wyatt, and I see you as family and want you to know you can count on us. Maybe not the family of your birth, but the family you chose? You can count on us.”

I only nod because if I try speaking, I know I’ll start crying. Jackson clears his throat just as there’s another knock on the door. It opens, and Nicky sticks his head in and smiles. “It’s time. Let’s get you married, darlin’.”

I smile. “I’m ready.” The door opens, and we step out together. We make it to the door to outside. When it opens, I hear the music that we picked out. Train’s song “Marry Me”fills the air.

We walk maybe five or six steps when Jackson stops, and Wyatt’s there. He gives me a smile and takes my arm from Jackson. We walk together for another ten steps or so, and Wyatt stops. Rory is standing there to take my arm. “Let’s get you hitched, little sis.”

We take another ten steps, and I can’t help the tears that threaten to fall when Juan takes over for Rory. Juan squeezes my hand and leads me to the edge of the grass where Pa stands, waiting for me.

Pa takes his spot by my side. He leans over and kisses my cheek. “I’m honored to be gaining a daughter today. You gotta save a dance for me later.” I nod, and for the first time, I look down the aisle and see Max waiting for me.

Pa brings me to the start of the chairs where people are sitting. I briefly look away from Max to see Asher standing, waiting for me. Pa hands me off to Asher, who leans down and kisses my cheek. “We’re all here for you. We’ll all be here for both of you anytime and anywhere.” I only nod because the tears are flowing freely, and I’m not sure how I’m going to manage my vows in a couple of minutes.